The White Building is London’s new centre for art, technology and sustainability and is currently run by Space Studios. The building was a derelict industrial unit when BRAC Contracts undertook complete refurbishment of the building forming a brewery, cafe and various artists studios and office.
BRAC Contracts worked on an exciting project in Hackney Wick, parts of a redevelopment programme to better incorporate the Olympic Park in to its surrounding area. Hackney Wick is a former industrial area made up of disused print works and factories along the banks of the River Lea. Until now the area has been left largely disused and forgotten. The London Legacy Development Corporation commissioned the redevelopment of the area in order to align more with the Olympic Park development in to the surrounding East London area.
The Olympic Fringe
The focus for the redevelopment of Hackney Wick was to bring a creative flare to the neighbourhood. The disused factories and print works make a great environment for studios and offices, with Central London being right on the artists’ doorstep. ‘The Olympic Fringe’ as it’s become known, is now home to the highest concentration of artists’ studios in the whole of Europe. A hub for creativity nestled in a picturesque and urban setting.
BRAC Contracts were honoured to be appointed to work on ‘The White Building’, one of the few buildings open to the public within the artist community.
A disused print works itself; we worked with architects David Kohn to transform this deserted building in to a hub for the community. Our aim was to maintain as much of the original features as possible, for example, keeping the building’s concrete finish to give the place a minimalist and rustic feel. We also maintained the traditional steel windows, large enough to allow light in to fill the open plan building. Other finishing touches included, a spiral staircase, handmade fair faced bricks and exposed pillars. The finished building now includes, multiple artist studios, group studio to hire, an event space with views over the Olympic Park, and a brewery!
We are really proud of the team’s work on this unique project. We managed to maintain the heritage of the building whilst updating it in line with 21st century practices, successfully bringing the former print works back to life. The White Building was commended in the New London Awards 2013 and is shortlisted for a Retrofit Award 2013.
BRAC Contracts are specialist in urban regeneration projects and the White Building in Hackney Wick is an outstanding example of our approach and ability to deliver on demanding and unique commercial projects.
“We had a tight programme for a technically challenging project and BRAC Contracts managed the project from start to finish meeting our deadlines and delivering an excellent end result. It was an enjoyable experience working with such professionals”.
Paul Holliday – Queensmead School
SPACE have contracted BRAC on a number of occasions, they are a pleasure to work with , highly professional, they care about the detail and offer a value for money service. The BRAC team have a positive, can-do attitude and find solutions to any challenge. We recommend them highly.
Anna Harding – Chief Executive SPACE
The quality of the works undertaken by BRAC for the new Woolwich Ferry Operations office has been most impressive, as has been the efforts by all the construction team to ensure an on schedule and on budget completion.
Mark Willbourn – Briggs Marine Contractors Ltd
BRAC Contracts Ltd
Unit 44
Berwick Court Farm
Alfriston Road
Berwick, Polegate
BN26 5QS
T: 01323 870146
